Since it made its debut in Miami’s opener against Bethune-Cookman, the Hurricanes’ Turnover Chain has become a viral sensation, with Miami fans sporting homemade versions at games, television broadcasts showcasing the flashy piece of jewelry and Hurricanes players enjoying the moment they get to celebrate as the 36-inch, 10-karat gold chain is placed around their neck when they come off the field after creating a turnover.

Now, though, it seems another Atlantic Coast Conference school has had contact with the jeweler that created the chain and its experience wasn’t nearly as positive.

According to the report, North Carolina made its request when the NCAA began an investigation into the Tar Heels football program in 2010. The report continues to say that in a letter sent to Machado in October of that year, then-UNC athletic director Dick Baddour asked Machado to have “no contact” with UNC athletes, specifically asking him not to meet with athletes in person, speak to them via phone, or exchange letters, text messages, or emails with them. The school also asked that he have no social media interaction with its athletes or anyone associated with the athletic program, the report says.

The Miami Hurricanes' Turnover Chain originated in 2017 when defensive coordinator Manny Diaz wanted to find a way to reward his players for getting interceptions and fumbles. The 36-inch, 2.5-kilogram, 10-karat gold Cuban link chain became a national phenomenon. In 2018, the 'U' pendant has been replaced with Sebastian the Ibis. Here are photos of the Turnover Chain in all of its glory.

(John McCall, Michael Laughlin)

Along with the letter, the News & Observer reports that UNC also returned a piece of jewelry Machado had provided to one athlete. It’s unclear who that athlete was or which athlete’s eligibility was affected.

After the story was posted Friday afternoon, Hurricanes athletic director Blake James issued a statement regarding Miami’s connection with Machado, whom says he has worked with numerous well-known athletes, including more than 700 active NFL players.

“A member of our staff purchased the Turnover Chain from a local jeweler. We are aware that that jeweler, Anthony Machado, was previously involved in a matter at another institution more than seven years ago,” James’ statement read. “However, we have no reason to believe that there is — or has been — any inappropriate conduct regarding Mr. Machado and the University of Miami.”

When reached by the Sun Sentinel on Friday, Machado said he had not yet seen the story regarding his alleged involvement with North Carolina and did not want to comment further at that point.

As to how the Turnover Chain came to be, once UM defensive coordinator Manny Diaz decided he wanted a motivational tool for his players, cornerbacks coach Mike Rumph — a 2002 first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers — reached out to Machado, from whom he’d purchased jewelry during his professional career. The two, along with former Hurricanes defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, came up with the idea for a chain that players could wear after forcing a turnover.

Cornerback Malek Young became the first player to wear the chain, his interception in the fourth quarter giving him the honor. Since, 15 different players have worn the chain and the Hurricanes enter Saturday’s game against Virginia having forced 24 turnovers. They had 19 turnovers all of last season.

The Hurricanes have forced four turnovers in each of their last four games and currently lead the ACC with a turnover margin of +14. That’s second nationally.

As to what happens to the chain when it’s not getting its turn in the spotlight, Hurricanes director of player development Joel Rodriguez — a former UM offensive lineman — guards it on the sideline and presents it to the player who forces a turnover as he comes off the field.

After the player poses for a few pictures, and gets his moment on television, the chain is packed away, to wait for its next appearance.

“I think it’s awesome. I think most people see our kids are having fun with it … People have a different way to celebrate a turnover. We’re not the first ones to do that, we’ve just got the best one,” Hurricanes coach Mark Richt said of the Turnover Chain after Miami’s 41-8 win over Notre Dame. “We’ve got the one that draws the most attention. And the fact that we’re getting so many turnovers, people are seeing a lot more than maybe somebody else’s way of doing it.”